Automated method and machinery for fabricating a wrought-iron fence

ABSTRACT

Automated method and machinery for fabricating a wrought-iron fence panel. The machinery includes (a) automated programmable machinery for welding vertical pickets to horizontal runners to form a fence panel; (b) automated programmable machinery for straightening the fence panel; (c) automated programmable machinery for washing the fence panel; (d) automated programmable machinery for drying the fence panel; (e) automated programmable machinery for painting the fence panel; and (f) automated programmable conveyor machinery for conveying the vertical pickets, the horizontal runners, and the fence panel from station to station.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 08/975,986, filed Nov. 21, 1997.

[0002] The present invention relates to fence construction. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to an automated process forfabricating wrought-iron fences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In general, the present invention in a first aspect provides anautomated method for fabricating components of a wrought-iron fence. Themethod comprises the steps of (a) providing a plurality of horizontalrunners and a plurality of vertical pickets; (b) automatedly welding thevertical pickets to the horizontal runners to form a fence panel; (c)automatedly transferring the fence panel to a table run-out conveyorwhich includes a set of chains with a pickup block on each chain; (d)utilizing the table run-out conveyor to automatedly transfer the fencepanel to a conveyor loading station which includes a hydraulic-drivenunit with pickup hooks capable of conveying the fence panel; (e)utilizing the hydraulic-driven unit to automatedly transfer the fencepanel to an overhead conveyor line; (f) utilizing the overhead conveyorline to automatedly transfer the fence panel to a fence sectionstraightener; (g) utilizing the fence section straightener toautomatedly straighten the fence panel; (h) utilizing the overheadconveyor line to automatedly transfer the straightened fence panel to awash tank; (i) utilizing the wash tank to automatedly wash the fencepanel; (j) utilizing the overhead conveyor line to automatedly transferthe washed fence panel to a drying station; (k) utilizing the dryingstation to automatedly air-dry the washed fence panel; (l) utilizing theoverhead conveyor line to automatedly transfer the dried fence panel toa paint tank; and (m) utilizing the paint tank to automatedly paint thefence panel.

[0004] In a second aspect the invention provides automated machinery forfabricating components of a wrought-iron fence from a plurality ofhorizontal runners and vertical pickets. The machinery comprises: (a)automated programmable means for welding the vertical pickets to thehorizontal runners to form a fence panel; (b) automated programmablemeans for straightening the fence panel; (c) automated programmablemeans for washing the fence panel; (d) automated programmable means fordrying the fence panel; (e) automated programmable means for paintingthe fence panel; (f) automated programmable conveyor means for conveyingthe fence panel from the welding means to the fence-straightening means;(g) automated programmable conveyor means for conveying the fence panelfrom the fence-straightening means to the washing means; (h) automatedprogrammable conveyor means for conveying the fence panel from thewashing means to the drying means; and (i) automated programmableconveyor means for conveying the fence panel from the drying means tothe painting means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an automated weldingmachine made in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0006]FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an automated table run-outconveyor and an automated conveyor load station, made in accordance withthe principles of the present invention.

[0007]FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an automated fence sectionstraightener made in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention.

[0008]FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an automated wash tankmade in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of automated machinery fordrying a fence panel, made in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

[0010]FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of automated machinery forpainting a fence panel, made in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

[0011]FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an automated conveyorsystem made in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] More specificially, reference is made to FIG. 1, in which isshown an automated welding machine, made in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention, and generally designated by thenumeral 2.

[0013] The automated welding machine 2 comprises a programmable, movablecarriage 4; programmable pneumatic means 14 for automatedly clampinghorizontal runners 3 to vertical pickets 5 in a perpendicularconfiguration on the movable carriage 4, by clamps 6 automatedly poweredand operated by automated pneumatic means 14; a hydraulic cylinder 12,for forward and reverse movement of the carriage 4; a plurality ofprogrammable welding guns 8, for welding the horizontal runners 3 to thevertical pickets 5, to form a fence panel 7; and a programmablephotocell switch 10 a for a hydraulic feed-speed control valve 11,indexing the movable carriage 4 to move at a slower speed during thewelding operation, and at a faster speed for conveying the clampedhorizontal runners 3 and vertical pickets 5 to and under the weldingguns 8 for welding, and away from the welding guns 8 after the verticalpickets 5 have been welded to the horizontal runners 3.

[0014] The horizontal runners 3 and the vertical pickets 5 are manuallyloaded onto the movable carriage 4 with panel fixture. An operator thenstarts the automated welding machine 2, which pneumatically clamps thevertical pickets 5 to the horizontal runners 3, and automatedly indexesthe carriage 4 for the faster and slower speeds.

[0015] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, in which is shown an automatedconveyor system, made in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention, and generally denoted by the numeral 70. The automatedconveyor system 70 comprises a plurality of hydraulic power units 18; anoverhead cable 22; a pulley 24; a plurality of limit switches 10; aplurality of timers 64; a plurality of chain-and-sprocket units 16; anda plurality of hooks 26.

[0016] Reference is again made to FIG. 1.

[0017] After the operator pushes a start switch 9, the carriage 4 will“rapid travel” to the first picket 5 to be welded. At this point thephotocell switch 10 a will switch the hydraulic feed-speed control valve11 from “rapid travel” to “feed speed.” After the picket 5 has beenwelded to the runner 3, the photocell switch 10 a will then switch to“rapid travel” for the next picket 5 to be welded.

[0018] After the last picket 5 has been welded, the carriage 4 will“rapid travel” forward to the end of the stroke of the hydrauliccylinder 12. An elevator 13 controlled by a limit switch 10 will thenlift the welded fence panel 7 from the movable carriage 4. When theelevator 13 is in “full up” position, the carriage 4 will return to thestart position. At the same time the conveyor system 70 will move thefence panel 7 away from the welding machine 2, using the overhead cable22, a pulley 24, and hooks 26.

[0019] The automated welding machine 2 further comprises a base 15 onwhich the movable carriage 4 is mounted. The base 15 has an inverted “V”rail 17 and a “flat” rail 19 to channel the carriage 4 for forward andreverse motion. The hydraulic cylinder 12 raises and lowers the elevator13. The carriage 4 has two “flat wheels” and two “V-groove wheels.” Thehydraulic cylinder 12, which preferably has aone-hundred-and-forty-four-inch stroke, is mounted on the carriage 4,with its rod end anchored to the base 15. The hydraulic power unit 18,which is preferably a three-horsepower unit, is rigidly mounted to thebase 15. The output of the hydraulic power unit 18 is preferably aboutthree and one-half gallons per minute at a pressure of approximatelyfive hundred pounds per square inch gauge. An overhead gantry 21 ismounted on the base 15. The gantry 21 has mounted thereon six wirewelders 8 and a “T” bar rail 23. On the bar rail 23 are mounted sixwelding-torch dove-tail slides, with torch holders and torches. Screwhandles allow torch adjustment in and out as well as up and down. Thetorches are preferably set up at approximately a forty-five-degreeangle. Flexible cables run from the welder units to torchesapproximately forty-eight inches long. Elevator 13 lift is accomplishedby arms with a rocker movement and the hydraulic cylinder 12. A secondgantry is mounted on the base 15 forward of the welding torches. To thesecond gantry is mounted an adjustable air-powered hold-down guide andclamps, to navigate each horizontal runner 3 to its correct spacing andposition. A guide of brass sidewalls with a roller hold-down appliespressure on the horizontal runner 3 to keep it tight on the picket 5during welding. Small air cylinders apply the downward pressure to thefront of the runner 3, to hold the runner in position. The small aircylinders are activated when the carriage 4 moves forward from the startposition. Along with the small air cylinder a set of air-cylinder clampsaid in applying downward pressure to the rear of the runner 3. Theair-cylinder clamps are activated by forward motion of the carriage 4and by an air valve (not shown), and are retracted at the end of thewelding cycle.

[0020] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, in which is shown an automatedtable runout conveyor 28 and an automated conveyor loading station 29,made in accordance with the principles of the present invention, thecombination being generally designated by the numeral 20.

[0021] After the fence panel 7 has been moved down line of the weldingmachine 2 by the automated conveyor system 70 (FIG. 7), the automatedconveyor loading station 29 picks up and hangs the fence panel 7 on theoverhead cable 22.

[0022] The automated table run-out conveyor 28 comprises a set of chains(not shown) with a pickup block (not shown) on each chain. The pickupblocks are mounted on a special link, which allows normal functioning ofthe chain while conveying the panel 7 via the attached pickup blocks.The conveyor 28 is started and stopped by two limit switches 10. Whenthe elevator 13 (FIG. 1) is in “full up” position—its highest point—alimit switch 10 activates the conveyor 28 to move the panel 7 from thewelding machine 2 (FIG. 1) to the conveyor loading station 29.

[0023] At the conveyor loading station 29, the drive blocks drop awayand the panel 7 stops moving. Thereafter a limit switch 10 activates andstarts the conveyor loading station 29. The pickup blocks move to thepickup position for another panel 7, where they are stopped by a limitswitch 10.

[0024] The conveyor loading station 29 is an hydraulic-driven 12, 18unit with pickup hooks 26 for transporting a fence panel 7 from thetable run-out conveyor 28 to the overhead cable 22 shown in FIG. 7. Thepickup hooks 26 are controlled both vertically and horizontally. Theconveyor loading station 29 is activated by a limit switch 10 off thetable run-out conveyor 28 when the panel 7 is in position for pickup.The first movement is vertical. The pickup hooks 26 lift the fence panel7 off the table run-out conveyor 28 to a height which clears theconveyor 28. The same set of pickup hooks 26 then carry the panel 7horizontally toward the overhead cable 22. The pickup hooks 26 carry thepanel 7 over a second set of staggered pickup hooks 26 attached to theoverhead cable 22, thereby fully extending the hooks 26, activating alimit switch 10, and moving the fence panel 7 downward in a secondvertical movement. The result is the setting of the panel 7 on theoverhead cable 22 in the second set of staggered hooks 26, to drain thepaint from the horizontal runners 3. A one-way limit switch (not shown)then activates a horizontal and vertical retraction of the hooks 26 in aretracting glide slope, thereby returning the hooks 26 to their originalstart position. The pickup hooks 26 are now ready to transport anotherfence panel 7. The conveyor loading station 29 includes a verticalroller slide 29 a and a horizontal roller slide 29 b for transportingthe fence panels 7 via the pickup hooks 26.

[0025] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, in which is shown an automatedfence section straightener, made in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention, and generally designated by the numeral 30.

[0026] The fence section straightener 30 comprises a press member 32, arigid backstop 34, a pair of hydraulic cylinders 12 to force a fencepanel 7 against the backstop 34, and limit switches 10 which control theposition of the press member 32.

[0027] The fence panel 7, which has been automatedly transferred via thecable 22 and the hooks 26 from the conveyor loading station 29 to theautomated fence section straightener 30, is disposed between the pressmember 32 and the backstop 34.

[0028] When the fence panel 7 is “delivered” from the conveyor loadingstation 29 and disposed between the press member 32 and the backstop 34,a limit switch 10 at the run-out table conveyor 28 (FIGS. 1 and 2)activates the hydraulic cylinders 18, which automatedly and in unisonurge the press member 32 and fence panel 7 toward and against thebackstop 34, thereby straightening the fence panel 7; and automatedlyand in unison release the straightened fence panel 7. The limit switch10 which controls the pressing operation is the same limit switch usedto start the conveyor-loading cycle. After the fence panel 7 has beenpressed straight, a second limit switch (not shown) is automatedlyactivated to retract the press member 32 and thereby complete the presscycle.

[0029] The press member 32 has an adjustable press stroke to preventovercorrection or overbending of the fence panel 7.

[0030] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, in which is shown aprogrammable, self-contained, pressurized wash tank 40 which includes aplurality of rotatable wash arms 42 equipped with high-pressure spraynozzles 42 a. The rotatable wash arms 42 are turned via achain-and-sprocket unit 16 by an electric motor 44, and eject apressurized spray 46 at and toward a fence panel 7. The spray comprisesa mixture of heated degreasing solution and water.

[0031] The washing station (not shown) is a metal enclosure with anopening at each end. The openings allow the overhead cable 22, the hooks26, and the fence panels 7 to pass freely therethrough.

[0032] The spray nozzles 42 a are usually set at a forty-five degreeangle with respect to the fence panel 7. This angle enables washing allsides and parts of the fence panel 7. A pressure-washing pump (notshown) with a gas or electric heat source (not shown) controls thetemperature of the wash mixture at approximately 190° F.

[0033] The fence panel 7 is transported to and disposed within thepressurized wash tank 40 by means of the overhead cable 22 and hooks 26.Limit switches 10 stop movement of the cable 22 to position and disposethe fence panel 7 within the pressurized wash tank 40. The same limitswitches 10 restart movement of the cable 22 to convey the fence panelfrom the wash tank 40.

[0034] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, in which is shown automatedmachinery 50 for drying a fence panel 7. The automated drying machinery50 comprises a pair of programmable air blowers 52 which forcecompressed air through pipe ducts 54 to air knives 54 a. The automateddrying machinery 50 is disposed in a programmable drying station (notshown).

[0035] A fence panel 7 is transported from the washing station (notshown) and automated wash tank 40 (shown in FIG. 4) to the automateddrying machinery 50 and programmable drying station (not shown), usingpickup hooks 26 suspended from the overhead cable 22. The fence panel 7is automatedly passed between juxtaposed, parallel, spaced-apart pipeducts 54 while air is blown therethrough. The air knives 54 a at thedistal ends of the ducts 54 increase the pressure of the air, in orderto blow excess wash solution from the fence panel 7. The blowers 52 arepreferably centrifugal blowers. The air knives 54 a are beneficially setat about a forty-five-degree angle with respect to the fence panel 7 forthe most efficient drying of the fence panel 7. The drying station workscontinuously as the fence panel 7 is conveyed therethrough.

[0036] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, in which is shown automatedmachinery 60 for painting a fence panel 7. Hydraulic cylinders 12automatedly lift a paint tank 62 vertically to submerge therein astationary fence panel 7 suspended from hooks 26 supported by theoverhead cable 22. Programmable timers 64 and limit switches 10 allow adelay of the conveyor system 70 (FIG. 7) sufficient to paint the fencepanel 7 and to drain excess paint back into the tank 62 after the tank62 has been automatedly lowered and returned to its starting position.

[0037] The paint dip-tank station (not shown) is driven by a hydraulicpower unit 18 with a pair of hydraulic cylinders 18 and a vertical slide(not shown). The dip-paint tank 62 is mounted on the vertical slide.

[0038] The start cycle for the dipping operation is activated by a relay(not shown) with a start switch (not shown) disposed at the site of theautomated welding machine 2 (FIG. 1). A limit switch 10 mounted overheadensures proper positioning of the panel 7. Another limit switch 10 atthe top of the cycle will return the tank 62 to its starting position.

[0039] The paint-dip station (not shown) includes a filtration unit 64to filter out paint contaminants such as soil, metal shavings, etc.

[0040] Reference is again made to FIG. 7.

[0041] The automated conveyor system 70 is a continuous cable-drivensystem installed on the outer perimeter of the floor-plan site (notshown). A hydraulic motor 18 a in a hydraulic power unit 18 drives theoverhead cable 22 at a variable speed using a gear-reduction unit (notshown). The cable 22 has one long and one short hook (not shown) tohorizontally “stagger” a fence panel 7 being suspended therefrom. Theconveyor system 70 transports the runners 3, pickets 5, and panels 7(FIG. 1) through the entire fabrication process, then makes a loop toreturn the pickup hooks 26 to the vicinity of the automated weldingmachine 2.

[0042] The conveyor system 70 and the cable 22 are not limited tostraight, linear motion. The cable 22 is capable of turning a cornerequal to one-hundred and eighty degrees. A take-up station (not shown)keeps the cable 22 taut.

[0043] The conveyor system 70 is operable in both manual and automaticmodes. In the preferred automatic mode, a cycle is started by a startswitch (not shown) proximate the automated welding machine 2 (FIG. 1),and is stopped by a limit switch 10 proximate the dip-paint tank 62(FIG. 6). In the manual mode it can be started and stopped at any pointin the cycle.

I claim:
 1. An automated method for fabricating components of awrought-iron fence, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing aplurality of horizontal runners and a plurality of vertical pickets; (b)automatedly welding the vertical pickets to the horizontal runners toform a fence panel; (c) automatedly transferring the fence panel to atable run-out conveyor which includes a set of chains with a pickupblock on each chain; (d) utilizing the table run-out conveyor toautomatedly transfer the fence panel to a conveyor loading station whichincludes a hydraulic-driven unit with pickup hooks capable of conveyingthe fence panel; (e) utilizing the hydraulic-driven unit to automatedlytransfer the fence panel to an overhead conveyor line; (f) utilizing theoverhead conveyor line to automatedly transfer the fence panel to afence section straightener; (g) utilizing the fence section straightenerto automatedly straighten the fence panel; (h) utilizing the overheadconveyor line to automatedly transfer the straightened fence panel to awash tank; (i) utilizing the wash tank to automatedly wash the fencepanel; (j) utilizing the overhead conveyor line to automatedly transferthe washed fence panel to a drying station; (k) utilizing the dryingstation to automatedly dry the washed fence panel; (l) utilizing theoverhead conveyor line to automatedly transfer the dried fence panel toa paint tank; and (m) utilizing the paint tank to automatedly paint thefence panel.
 2. The automated method of claim 1, wherein the verticalpickets are automatedly welded to the horizontal runners by using anautomated welding machine operated by: (n) automatedly and pneumaticallyclamping the horizontal runners and vertical pickets to one another on amovable carriage in a disposition for welding the vertical pickets tothe horizontal runners in a perpendicular configuration; and (o)automatedly indexing the carriage with a slower speed for while weldingis in progress, and a faster speed for conveying the clamped horizontalrunners and vertical pickets to and under a plurality of welding gunsfor welding, and away from the welding guns after the vertical picketshave been welded to the horizontal runners.
 3. The automated method ofclaim 1, wherein the vertical pickets are automatedly welded to thehorizontal runners by: (n) providing a programmable welding machinewhich includes programming means, clamping means, speed-indexing means,a movable carriage, and a plurality of welding guns; (o) programming thewelding machine to automatedly clamp the horizontal runners and verticalpickets in a perpendicular configuration on the movable carriage forwelding the vertical pickets to the horizontal runners; and (p)programming the carriage to move at a slower speed for while welding isin progress, and at a faster speed for conveying the clamped horizontalrunners and vertical pickets to and under the welding guns for welding,and away from the welding guns after the vertical pickets have beenwelded to the horizontal runners.
 4. The automated method of claim 1,wherein the fence panel is automatedly straightened by: (n) usingautomated limit switches to stop movement of the conveyor line; (o)using automated hydraulic cylinders to automatedly and in unison urgethe fence panel against a rigid backstop, thereby automatedlystraightening the fence panel; and (p) using the hydraulic cylinders toautomatedly and in unison release the straightened fence panel.
 5. Theautomated method of claim 1, wherein the fence panel is automatedlystraightened by: (n) providing a programmable fence section straightenerwhich includes programming means, limit switches, hydraulic cylinders,and a rigid backstop; (o) programming the fence section straightener toautomatedly stop movement of the conveyor line, using the limitswitches; (p) programming the hydraulic cylinders to operate automatedlyand in unison to urge the fence panel against the backstop, therebyautomatedly straightening the fence panel; and (q) programming thehydraulic cylinders to automatedly and in unison release thestraightened fence panel.
 6. The automated method of claim 1, whereinthe fence panel is automatedly washed by: (n) using automated limitswitches to automatedly stop movement of the conveyor line and disposethe fence panel within a programmable self-contained, pressurized washtank which includes rotatable wash arms equipped with high-pressurespray nozzles; and (o) washing the fence panel by automatedly rotatingthe wash arms while ejecting a pressurized spray comprising a mixture ofheated degreasing solution and water toward the fence panel.
 7. Theautomated method of claim 1, wherein the fence panel is automatedlywashed by: (n) providing a programmable, self-contained, pressurizedwash tank which includes programming means, limit switches, androtatable wash arms equipped with high-pressure spray nozzles; (o)programming the limit switches to automatedly stop movement of theconveyor line and dispose the fence panel within the wash tank; (p)programming the wash arms to rotate while ejecting a pressurized spraycomprising a mixture of heated degreasing solution and water toward thefence panel; (q) using the limit switches to automatedly stop movementof the conveyor line and dispose the fence panel within the wash tank;and (r) washing the fence panel by automatedly rotating the wash armswhile ejecting the pressurized spray toward the fence panel.
 8. Theautomated method of claim 1, wherein the fence panel is automatedlydried by: (a) using the overhead conveyor line to pass the fence panelbetween ducts connected to a pair of blowers while the blowers force airthrough ducts to air knives which restrict the flow of air, therebyincreasing the air pressure, to improve drying efficiency and to blowexcess wash liquid from the fence panel.
 9. The automated method ofclaim 1, wherein the fence panel is automatedly dried by: (n) providinga programmable drying station which includes programming means, a pairof blowers, a plurality of ducts, and a plurality of air knivesconnected thereto which restrict the flow of air therethrough; (o)programming the blowers to force air through the ducts to the airknives; (p) automatedly operating the blowers to force air through theducts to the air knives, which restrict the flow of air, therebyincreasing the air pressure, to blow excess wash liquid from the fencepanel while (q) using the overhead conveyor line to pass the fence panelbetween the ducts, thereby drying the fence panel.
 10. The automatedmethod of claim 1, wherein the fence panel is automatedly painted by:(n) using hydraulic cylinders to automatedly and vertically lift a tankcontaining paint, to submerge in the paint a stationary fence panelsuspended from the overhead conveyor line; and (o) using the hydrauliccylinders to automatedly lower the tank to its original position while(p) using timers and limit switches to allow a predetermined delay ofmovement of the overhead conveyor line, to paint the fence panel and todrain excess paint from the fence panel to the tank.
 11. The automatedmethod of claim 1, wherein the fence panel is automatedly painted by:(n) providing a dip-paint tank powered by programmable hydrauliccylinders; (o) providing a plurality of programmable timers and limitswitches to allow a predetermined and temporary stoppage of movement ofthe overhead conveyor line, to immobilize a fence panel suspendedtherefrom for a period of time sufficient to dip the fence panel in thedip-paint tank, and to drain excess paint from the fence panel; (p)programming the timers and limit switches to allow a predetermined andtemporary stoppage of movement of the overhead conveyor line, toimmobilize a fence panel suspended therefrom for a period of timesufficient to have the fence panel dipped in the dip-paint tank, and todrain excess paint from the fence panel; (q) programming the hydrauliccylinders to automatedly and vertically lift the dip-paint tank to alevel such that the fence panel suspended from the overhead conveyorline is submerged in the dip-paint tank; (r) programming the hydrauliccylinders to lower the dip-paint tank to its original position; (s)using the hydraulic cylinders to automatedly and vertically lift thedip-paint tank, to submerge therein a stationary fence panel suspendedfrom the overhead conveyor line; and (t) using the hydraulic cylindersto automatedly lower the dip-paint tank to its original position; while(u) using the timers and limit switches to allow a predetermined delayof movement of the overhead conveyor line, to paint the fence panel andto drain excess paint from the fence panel to the dip-paint tank. 12.The automated method of claim 1, wherein the overhead conveyor line isautomatedly operated and powered by air-over-hydraulic power-unitcables, which are automatedly controlled by programmable timers andlimit switches in accordance with timing needs and constraints requiredto automatedly weld, straighten, wash, dry, and paint a fence panel. 13.The automated method of claim 1, wherein the overhead conveyor line isautomatedly operated by: (n) providing a plurality of air-over-hydraulicpower-unit cables; (o) providing a plurality of programmable timers andlimit switches, to control the power-unit cables; and (p) programmingthe timers and limit switches to impose a predetermined schedule,pattern, and sequence of movement on the overhead conveyor line bycontrolling the power-unit cables in accordance with timing needs andconstraints required to automatedly weld, straighten, wash, dry, andpaint a fence panel.
 14. Automated machinery for fabricating componentsof a wrought-iron fence from a plurality of horizontal runners andvertical pickets, the machinery comprising: (a) automated programmablemeans for welding the vertical pickets to the horizontal runners to forma fence panel; (b) automated programmable means for straightening thefence panel; (c) automated programmable means for washing the fencepanel; (d) automated programmable means for drying the fence panel; (e)automated programmable means for painting the fence panel; (f) automatedprogrammable conveyor means for conveying the fence panel from thewelding means to the fence-straightening means; (g) automatedprogrammable conveyor means for conveying the fence panel from thefence-straightening means to the washing means; (h) automatedprogrammable conveyor means for conveying the fence panel from thewashing means to the drying means; and (i) automated programmableconveyor means for conveying the fence panel from the drying means tothe painting means.
 15. The automated machinery of claim 14, wherein themeans for welding the vertical pickets to the horizontal runnersinclude: (j) automated programmable pneumatic means for clamping thehorizontal runners and vertical pickets to one another on a movablecarriage in a disposition for welding the vertical pickets to thehorizontal runners in a perpendicular configuration; and (k) automatedprogrammable means for indexing the carriage with a slower speed forwhile welding is in progress, and a faster speed for conveying theclamped horizontal runners and vertical pickets to and under a pluralityof welding guns for welding, and away from the welding guns after thevertical pickets have been welded to the horizontal runners.
 16. Theautomated machinery of claim 14, wherein the means for welding thevertical pickets to the horizontal runners include: (j) a programmable,movable carriage; (k) programmable means for clamping the verticalpickets to the horizontal runners in a perpendicular configuration onthe movable carriage; (l) a plurality of programmable welding guns, forwelding the horizontal runners and the vertical pickets to one anotherin a perpendicular configuration; and (m) means for programming themovable carriage to move at a slower speed for while welding is inprogress, and at a faster speed for conveying the clamped horizontalrunners and vertical pickets to and under the welding guns for welding,and away from the welding guns after the vertical pickets have beenwelded to the horizontal runners.
 17. The automated machinery of claim14, wherein the means for straightening the fence panel include: (j) aplurality of programmable limit switches, to stop movement of theconveyor line; (k) a plurality of programmable hydraulic cylinders, forautomatedly and in unison urging the fence panel against a rigidbackstop, thereby automatedly straightening the fence panel, and forautomatedly and in unison releasing the straightened fence panel. 18.The automated machinery of claim 14, wherein the means for straighteningthe fence panel include: (j) a rigid backstop; (k) a plurality ofprogrammable hydraulic cylinders, for automatedly and in unison urgingthe fence panel against the backstop, thereby automatedly straighteningthe fence panel, and for automatedly and in unison releasing thestraightened fence panel and (l) a plurality of programmable limitswitches, for stopping movement of the conveyor means while the fencepanel is being straightened, and for restarting movement of the conveyormeans after the fence panel has been straightened.
 19. The automatedmachinery of claim 14, wherein the means for washing the fence panelinclude: (j) a plurality of programmable limit switches, for automatedlystopping movement of the conveyor means and disposing the fence panelwithin a programmable self-contained, pressurized wash tank whichincludes a plurality of rotatable wash arms equipped with high-pressurespray nozzles; and (k) programmable automated means for rotating thewash arms while ejecting a pressurized spray comprising a mixture ofheated degreasing solution and water toward the fence panel.
 20. Theautomated machinery of claim 14, wherein the means for washing the fencepanel include: (j) a programmable, self-contained, pressurized wash tankwhich includes a plurality of rotatable wash arms equipped withhigh-pressure spray nozzles; (k) a plurality of programmable limitswitches, for stopping movement of the conveyor means and disposing thefence panel within the wash tank for washing the fence panel, and forrestarting movement of the conveyor means after the fence panel has beenwashed; and (l) automated means for rotating the wash arms whileejecting a pressurized spray comprising a mixture of heated degreasingsolution and water at and toward the fence panel, thereby automatedlywashng the fence panel.
 20. The automated machinery of claim 14, whereinthe means for drying the fence panel include: (j) a pair of automatedblowers constructed and arranged to air-dry the washed fence panel bypassing the fence panel between the blowers; (k) a plurality of ductsfor conveying pressurized air from the blowers; and (l) an air knife atthe distal end of each duct, for increasing the pressure of air passingtherethrough, thereby increasing the efficiency of drying the fencepanel and blowing excess liquid from the fence panel.
 21. The automatedmachinery of claim 14, wherein the means for drying the fence panelinclude: (j) a pair of automated blowers; (k) means for programmingmovement effecting passage of the washed fence panel between theblowers; (l) means for programming the blowers to discharge air from theblowers to and against the surface of the fence panel while the fencepanel is being passed between the blowers; (m) a plurality of ducts forconveying pressurized air from the blowers; and (n) an air knife at thedistal end of each duct, for increasing the pressure of air passingtherethrough, thereby increasing the efficiency of drying the fencepanel and blowing excess liquid from the fence panel.
 22. The automatedmachinery of claim 14, wherein the means for painting the fence panelinclude: (j) an overhead conveyor line; (l) a plurality of automatedhydraulic cylinders for lifting a tank containing paint to a level inwhich a stationary fence panel suspended from the overhead conveyor lineis immersed in the paint, and for lowering the tank to its originalposition; and (l) a plurality of programmable timers and limit switchesconstructed, arranged, and programmed to effect a predetermined delay inthe movement of the overhead conveyor line, for painting the fence paneland for draining excess paint from the fence panel to the tank.
 23. Theautomated machinery of claim 14, wherein the means for painting thefence panel include: (j) a dip-paint tank; (k) an overhead conveyorline; (l) a plurality of programmable timers and limit switches, foreffecting a predetermined temporary stoppage of movement of the overheadconveyor line, to immobilize a fence panel suspended therefrom for aperiod of time sufficient to dip the fence panel in the dip-paint tank,and to drain excess paint from the fence panel; and (m) a plurality ofprogrammable hydraulic cylinders constructed, arranged, and programmedto automatedly and vertically lift the dip-paint tank to a level atwhich the suspended fence panel is submerged in the dip-paint tank, andto thereafter return and restore the dip-paint tank to its originaldisposition.
 24. The automated machinery of claim 14, wherein theautomated conveyor means include: (j) an overhead conveyor line; and (k)a plurality of programmable timers and limit switches, for controllingthe movement of the overhead conveyor line in accordance with timingneeds and constraints required to automatedly weld, straighten, wash,dry, and paint a fence panel.
 25. The automated machinery of claim 14,wherein the automated conveyor means include: (j) an overhead conveyorline; (k) a plurality of hydraulic power units, for powering andoperating the overhead conveyor line; and (l) a plurality ofprogrammable timers and limit switches, for controlling the hydraulicpower units by imposing thereon a predetermined schedule, pattern, andsequence of movement of the overhead conveyor line in accordance withtiming needs and constraints required to automatedly weld, straighten,wash, dry, and paint a fence panel.